1996 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2010 Kia Soul
To start off, 2010 Kia Soul is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,779 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Kia Soul (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (125 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Kia Soul should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Passat.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1996 Volkswagen Passat (169 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Kia Soul. (167 Nm @ 4850 RPM). This means 1996 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Kia Soul. 2010 Kia Soul has automatic transmission and 1996 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 1996 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Kia Soul will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Volkswagen Passat | 2010 Kia Soul | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Kia |
| Model | Passat | Soul |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1779 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2550 mm |
